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The Fifty-Seventh Chapter
521. The astrologers, as directed by the merchant, declared that this was the auspicious time. He gave his daughter, Vimala, born of Kamala, to him. 587. After the marriage, Jivandhar Kumar stayed happily with Sagaradatt Seth for some days. Then, on another occasion, he went to the assembly of the Kaṣṭhāṅgārikas, disguised as a wandering ascetic. 588. Entering the assembly and seeing the Kaṣṭhāṅgārikas, he blessed them and said, "O King! Listen, I am a virtuous guest, I desire food from you, feed me." 589. Hearing this, the Kaṣṭhāṅgārikas readily agreed to feed him. "This is like a flower that has sprung from the fruit of my efforts." 590. Thinking thus, he sat on the next seat and ate. After eating, he left. 591. Then, going to the group of kings, he announced separately, "I have in my hand the best medicine, such as Vāśīkaraṇa-cūrṇa, which gives immediate results. Whoever desires it, may take it." 592. Hearing this, all the people laughed and said, "Look at his shamelessness! He is so old, yet he keeps Vāśīkaraṇa-cūrṇa, Añjana, and Bandhaka medicines." 593. Saying this, they laughed and said, "O Brāhmaṇa! There is a famous girl in this city named Guṇamālā." 594. "Jivandhar has not praised the fragrance of my cūrṇa. Therefore, he has become hateful to all men. You subdue her with your cūrṇa and Añjana, and then we will buy your mantras and medicines for a very high price." 595. Hearing this, the Brāhmaṇa became angry and said, "Your Jivandhar is a fool, how can he know the difference between the fragrance of cūrṇa, etc.?" 596. In reply, all the people became angry and said to the Brāhmaṇa, "Jivandhar is the best of men. Without considering this, why are you talking like this to him?" 597. "O arrogant one, who is deluded by false scriptures! Have you not heard the famous saying that self-praise and the criticism of others are no different from death?" 598. Thus, the Brāhmaṇa was rebuked by them. He said, "Are there not people like you who praise me? I am also a man." 599. Thus, praising himself, the arrogant Brāhmaṇa vowed, "I will make Guṇamālā my concubine in a moment." 600. Making this vow, he set out for Guṇamālā's house. 601.